Abstract:In order to enhance uranium bioleaching efficiency, exogenous Fe2+ was added and mineral particle sizes was changed to improve the bioleaching rate of uranium. When the concentration of exogenous Fe2+ is 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L, the uranium leaching rate is 87.34%, 88.27%, 91.23% and 89.13%, respectively. At 1.0 g/L Fe2+ concentration, uranium ore undergoes partial dissolution, revealing prominent rough pores on the surface, which is conducive to the leaching of uranium. The presence of an optimal amount of Fe2+ in leaching solution can improve the bioleaching capability for uranium. Moreover, the bioleaching of uranium ore with exogenous Fe2+ is consistent with the solid product layer shrinking core model, indicating that the leaching process is predominantly controlled by diffusion. When the particle sizes is -2 mm and -5 mm, the leaching rate of uranium is 91.23% and 83.70%, respectively. The specific surface area of mineral particles can be increased with the appropriate reduction of mineral particle size, which is also conducive to the leaching of uranium.